Without pressure on quarterback, Jaguars defense is cooked

Injuries on the line and in the backfield are a porous combination

Jaguars linebacker Paul Posluszny tries to track down Chargers tight end Antonio Gates on Monday at EverBank Field. With little pass rush and defensive backs out because of injuries, the defense is struggling.

The Jaguars defense knew the task they faced Monday night when they went against San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers.

“We wanted to find ways to make him uncomfortable and force him into bad throws and we weren’t able to do that and he was able to put the ball on the money,” said middle linebacker Paul Posluszny. “That’s one of the things we need to fix coming out of that game. We’ve got to find ways to put pressure on the quarterback.”

The Jaguars didn’t sack Rivers, who passed for 294 yards and three touchdowns as the Chargers won 38-14.

The lack of a pass rush enabled Rivers to exploit the Jaguars’ two cornerbacks, Ashton Youboty, who was signed on Nov. 15, and undrafted rookie Kevin Rutland. They started because the Jaguars had to put three cornerbacks on injured reserve (Rashean Mathis, Derek Cox and William Middleton) in the last three weeks.

What made it more frustrating was the fact that the Chargers had three of their original eight offensive linemen on the injured reserve list and started Jared Gaither at left tackle after he was claimed off waivers last Wednesday.

“That was the disappointing part on our end,” Posluszny said. “Their offensive line wasn’t healthy, but they had NFL-caliber players and were able to make plays on us and we weren’t able to get there. Part of that is Rivers being an elite quarterback.”

When the Jaguars face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, they don’t know which quarterback they will face. Starter Josh Freeman missed the Bucs’ 38-19 loss to Carolina last Sunday with a shoulder injury and was limited in practice Wednesday.

Regardless of whether the Bucs start Freeman or backup Josh Johnson, the Jaguars need to get better pressure up front. And they have to do it even though they are short three defensive ends.

John Chick went on injured reserve on Tuesday and both Matt Roth (concussion) and Aaron Kampman (hamstring) weren’t on the field for practice Wednesday. Interim coach Mel Tucker said they are day to day.

“We’re going to have to get creative with the guys we have,” Posluszny said.

One of the ways they may get creative is to use tackle Tyson Alualu at left end on some passing plays and put C.J. Mosley in his place at tackle.

“That was a surprise to me,” Posluszny said when the Jaguars tried it in practice “That was the first time I’ve seen him out there since maybe early in camp.”

Said Tucker: “Tyson has position flexibility. We played him at end before this year in some pass rush situations so he can always go out there and take some turns out there if we need him. I’m not sure that’s going to be a major part of what we do but we’ll see.”

Leger Douzable is starting at left end. George Selvie, who was signed Nov. 15, also played at end.

“It’s hugely important [to get pressure up front] because we have to take some pressure off our back end and we need to speed up the clock on the quarterback and get some pocket collapse and some edge rush and make them uncomfortable.”

Tucker said the Jaguars especially have to improve their rush on first and second down.

“Once we realize it’s not a run and it is a pass, we’ve got to convert into pass-rush mode during the play. First- and second-down pass rush is going to be huge for us and we’ve got to be able to do it with four guys,” he said.

Mincey was poised to have a big game against the Chargers, but said Rivers beat them with play-action passes.

“I don’t know what to say,” Mincey said. “Sometimes, it’s not going to go your way. The defensive line should have taken over that game.”

He added, “I take pride in what I do. I’m a winner. I’m sick of losing. We’ve got to find a way to fix it.”

I have the feeling that Jerry Jones will not let R. Ryan go. I believe he will be the Cowboys' coach next year. Ryan would definately make things interesting in Jax. I know he loves to get at the QB, as long as he gets us a great offensive coordinator I am cool with having Ryan as our HC. The Ryan brothers have an abrassive personality. That could be a distraction to our team performing well. They tend to strive for controversy.

According to John Clayton of ESPN, one name that could be at the top of the Jacksonville Jaguars list of head coaching candidates, is Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.

Clayton brought up a great point, Ryan could be a key component in helping the Jaguars sell more tickets at home. They’re already forced to put tarps on 13% of the seats in their stadium to avoid blackouts.

If Ryan can come in and establish a culture that will get the attention of the local fans as well as the rest of the league, the Jags could be on their way to building a consistent playoff contender

What made it more frustrating was the fact that the Chargers had three of their original eight offensive linemen on the injured reserve list and started Jared Gaither at left tackle after he was claimed off waivers last Wednesday.

Did people not read this? It doesnt matter if your defense is ranked number 1 they really arent very good upfront period...Its a myth...I can nitpick all day the Jags were fortunate early on...Also Knighton is good but he lacks motivation at the last quarter of the season AGAIN...